D'Masti Catering Continues Long History in South Suburbs

• Business: D'Masti Catering Inc. 
• Address: 11915 S. Western Ave. in Blue Island
• Contact: 708-388-0940
• Submitted by: Dan Mast, chairman ex officio 

Learn more on the D'Masti Catering website, and like the business on Facebook. 

When and how did your business get started?

In 1946, my father, a chef, started catering for friends' weddings from his basement, renovated for business use. I worked during high school. With 1 1/2 years of college finished, I talked him into opening a retail location.

I left early in the early '60s to become operation manager at Gapers Caterers, largest in Midwest. After 3 1/2 years I returned to the business I half owned, and my father retired but came in every day to putter around. Our growth was phenomenal. We catered all over the state and served many prominent occasions.

What is your business best known for?

High-end catering with menus created to fit a customer's desires. Also retail deli and party shop offering custom made to order entrees and specialties of all kinds. Extensive corporate catering. Drop-off lunches, catered cocktail parties and more.

Why did you choose the town you did to open your business? 

Born and raised here. When I left to learn more, I wanted to relocate to the north side, but felt that my father would have nothing to keep him going. Catering can be run from any location with all the freeways.

What's something interesting about your business your customers might not know?

The fact that we're located in Blue Island that types us as local, we have catered many upscale events such as the Papal Entourage in 1979, an event at Marshall Fields when Karl Lagerfeld introduced his first perfume, prominent Society Weddings and a toga Bacchanalia party for 3,400 guests at the Odeum in Villa Park to name a few.

Does your business offer a special deals card or program?

Various offers from time to time on our Facebook.

Business Spotlight is a regular column featuring information provided by local businesses. If you're a local business, share your information in this form. We also write features about local businesses. To send your ideas, email editor Michael Sewall at michael.sewall@patch.com. Businesses can also blog on Patch or share events in our calendar.